Matthew Bourne – Piano Michael Bardon – Double Bass Sean Noonan – Drums, Vocals, Compositions

Sean Noonan is a celebrated New York speaking drummer and composer. He blends jazz rock, improvisation, and rhythmic storytelling, crafting imaginative narratives ​​and seamlessly blending ancient traditions of wandering minstrels with contemporary musical forms.

Joining him to form The Noonan Trio are pianist Matthew Bourne, awarded “Jazz Innovation” at the BBC Radio Jazz Awards, and double bassist Michael Bardon (Zappanation Rock Opera). 

They’ll be performing music from their first album ‘Inherit a Memory’, which mirrors Dr. Sheldrake’s notion that patterns of activity operate more out of habit than rules, positioning The Noonan Trio to posit a deceptively real, fun, and emotionally unrestricted new world of the highest order.

Blending comic with darker lyricism their evocative numbers are brought to life through musical conversations which weave around them.

Noonan’s rhythmic storytelling evolved through collaborations with celebrated artists in multiple traditions, from Malian griot to Irish American folk. These cross-genre compositions build on drumming gestures using a larger ensemble. Other influences include the avant-garde works for mechanical piano by Conlon Nancarrow, surrealist rocker Frank Zappa, and drummer Milford Graves. 

The Noonan Trio’s first album, Inherit a Memory was critically acclaimed and placed on the 68th GRAMMY Ballot for Best Alternative Jazz Album. 

"This is not the typical release but an experience. A dynamic and virtually flawless execution of art at an apex of creativity few can match." Brent Black @CriticalJazz

“…it’s safe to say that you’ve never heard music like this before…will have you wondering why Sean Noonan isn’t a household name.” – Mark Saleski, Blogcritics.org

Co-promoted by OCM and St John’s College, Oxford.

Venue info: https://ocmevents.org/venue/st-johns-college-auditorium/

OCM is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. OCM is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network Partner supported by PPL. Supported with funding from Oxford City Council. Affiliate Organisation of Oxford Brookes University.

If you require the assistance of a carer to attend this performance, please contact info@ocmevents.org to reserve a free carer ticket.

Image credit: Kaja Gwincinska